Singer machine labeled 15- vs one not labeled but looks the same?

Hi

Yesterday I was given not one but two vintage Singer machines in their original cabinets with accessories. The two machines look identical, even the decals, but one has a metal tag with '15-' on it while the other does not. The one with the tag has a serial # that begins with 'AM', it's manual and cabinet are more modern than the non tagged machine who's serial # begins with 'AL' and has the older green manual.

I cannot see any differences other than the tag, anybody know something else that I'm missing?

I plan to keep the older machine, and may keep the younger one to harvest parts should I ever need them for the other. I found out the feed dogs can be dropped on these machines so I plan to try my hand at FMQuilting on it soon, sure will be different than my Janome 7700 on many levels!

I just finished FM a queen size quilt last night on my 15! Awesome machines, and I only have 2 of them! Like you said, so diffrent than the Janome on so many levels. I do use both but I might squirrel away another 15 if I see one.http://www.singerco.com/support/machine-serial-numbers

Hi Ani, the "AL-" prefixed machine is the older of the two. Singer didn't start putting model number badges on their domestic machines until the mid-'50s, which coincides with the "AM-" prefixed serial numbers.

My 1935 Singer 15-91 does not have the model number on it. According to the manual, the feed dogs are supposed to drop, but mine do not. Maybe they need some Triflow? At any rate, reducing the pressure on the presser foot and setting the stitch length to zero allows for free motion quilting, so it's no big deal.

I believe you have to flip the machine on it's side and loosen a certain screw in order to lower the feed dogs, at least that is what my manual states. I also found lots of info through a Google search on the machines, lots of folks have blogged about their 15-91s and how to provide maintenance etc for them. I learned to sew on a Featherweight when I was 6, then my Mom traded up to an Touch-n-Sew in the mid 1960s. I made my prom dress on that machine oh so long ago!

Originally Posted by jlm5419

My 1935 Singer 15-91 does not have the model number on it. According to the manual, the feed dogs are supposed to drop, but mine do not. Maybe they need some Triflow? At any rate, reducing the pressure on the presser foot and setting the stitch length to zero allows for free motion quilting, so it's no big deal.

Thanks for the info. That's the first thing I did, hopped over to the Singer website to look up the numbers, the AL and AM series ran 1951-1955, a five year span, they are probably the exact same machine except for the tag on the older one. They look exactly the same to me, even the manuals haven't changed the wording all that much, just the cover and size. I ordered some new bobbin winder tires, light bulbs, a marked throat plate and other assorted goodies from www.sew-classic.com today, the prices were great.

Originally Posted by Vintage.Singers.NYC

Hi Ani, the "AL-" prefixed machine is the older of the two. Singer didn't start putting model number badges on their domestic machines until the mid-'50s, which coincides with the "AM-" prefixed serial numbers.

I seem to acquire old machines easier than I can get rid of them. Most of the time that little part is frozen up. I think it holds more oil than a lot of parts and it dries in there. Squirt it with Triflow - jiggle it - wait - oil - jiggle - wait - use heat if necessary. You can also put the machine up on end so the oil goes in better - do one end then do the other. That little part has to go in and out.

Last edited by miriam; 06-02-2012 at 05:51 PM.

NEVER let a sewing machine know you are in a hurry.

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill

one picture with the feed dogs dropped and one with it up. That little pin has to be able to go in and out. Also oil the middle - that part some times sticks and the feet won't drop even though the pin has been pulled

Last edited by miriam; 06-02-2012 at 05:53 PM.

NEVER let a sewing machine know you are in a hurry.

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill